[1]
The author has written a book for conservative Christian audiences to
explain the various philosophies that inform Hollywood screenplays and
movie productions. The work is intended as a primer for viewers to
discern the good from bad values that "drive" stories on the big
screen. As a writer and a teacher, Godawa encourages Watching Films
with Wisdom and Discernment (subtitle).

[2] The philosophical basis of an
eclectic number of recent, mainstream, American films is outlined in
this work. The problem is type of worldview as it is expressed in the
content of specific films.
Existentialism and postmodernism, among other philosophies, are
analyzed in light of traditional Christian theology. The author
believes naïve readers need to be aware of the non-Christian values
that emanate from the Hollywood film industry.

[3] A related theme is that each
philosophy and by implication every movie, has a message of
redemption, that is, offers the viewer a means of salvation. For
example, in existentialism the hero commits to a personal self in a
meaningless world where God is perceived to be absent. Examples of
existentialist films are Forrest Gump (1994) and Groundhog
Day (1993). While the idea of a universal "monomyth" originated
with Joseph Campbell, Godawa is quite critical of his work.

[4] According to the author, it is
"extremely rare" for characters in movies to portray Christian themes
of redemption. Exceptions are Chariots of Fire (1981) Tender
Mercies (1983) and The Mission (1986). The uniqueness of
these films involves selfless commitment to God versus slavish
devotion to an individual ego. An example of postmodernism in
filmmaking is Pulp Fiction (1994). The essence of postmodernism
in film is the rejection of reality and loss of the distinction
between right and wrong.

[5] The author is knowledgeable
about a great number of films and devout as a Christian scholar. A
difficulty with the book, however, is that the films are unevenly
analyzed from a narrow point of view itself not clearly articulated.
What defines a Christian worldview? The good and the right seem to
involve: acknowledging guilt for being sinful, possessing the need for
redemption, not meriting forgiveness and trusting absolutely in a God
who is merciful. Hollywood, like humanity is sinful and Godawa like
his God, is quite critical.

[6] How the films deemed worthy deal
with these issues is not substantially pursued. For example, one
wonders, what puts Chariots of Fire, along with the others, at
the top of his list? A case analysis of these films in terms of how
the characters and stories deal with the issues of sin, redemption,
forgiveness and faith is relevant. Without an analysis what makes them
superb is overlooked as self-evident. The opposite issue also can be
raised.

[7] Are all films informed by
godless philosophies lacking merit in terms of Christian values. For
example, Forest Gump was an incredibly creative character that
evidenced malice toward no one, apparently because his mother had
loved him so dearly. His counterpart, "Jenny," was unable to recognize
Forrest' love, or God's love, because she had never been loved by her
parents as a child. Forest was a simple being but film analysis
without tolerance, just seems simplistic.

[8] Reviewers and readers who share
a conservative Christian worldview will find the guide informative.
Basically, the author is critical of any film influenced by any
philosophy not fundamentally Christian. It sketches several worldviews
behind movies and in this respect is a guide to movie selection. The
book is enhanced with insights about numerous films within this
perspective.